The relationship between posttraumatic growth and substance use in homeless women with histories of traumatic experience.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG)--namely, the experience of positive change in oneself or one's life following trauma--is particularly relevant for homeless women because they have greater trauma exposure than the general population, as well as higher rates of substance use. The present study examined PTG and substance use in this population. Fifty homeless women with trauma histories participated. In line with predictions, more current substance use was related to less PTG, more reliance on avoidant coping once approach coping was accounted for, and greater PTSD symptomatology. Levels of growth were comparable to those found in samples with less trauma exposure.